Properties and Uses

Both Sodium PCA and Urea are ingredients that bind moisture to our skin’s cells.

When our skin has a good balance of oils and fats (lipids), our skin is well-lubricated and has a smooth and healthy surface glow.

Retains moisture: In the world of skincare, it is considered an important humectant due to the fact that it is extremely water-absorbent and can hold several times its weight in water; helping to reduce the loss of moisture through evaporation.

In cosmetic chemistry, it is thought of as a stronger hydrating agent than traditional ingredients such as Glycerine and Propylene Glycol.

Protecting: Previously, we’ve talked about the role of the acid mantle and the intercellular glue that holds our skin cells together, which can be likened to the mortar that holds bricks together.

PCA is an important component of this intracellular matrix; preventing our skin cells from losing water and drying out.

Reduces inflammation: PCA is a great ingredient for helping to protect the acid mantle, as it penetrates deep into the epidermis – reducing inflammation in the skin and preventing surface irritation from becoming too serious.

Usage

It is a clear, almost-syrupy liquid, which is soluble in water

PCA is considered a low-hazard ingredient

Studies have shown that even in concentrations of up to 40%, no evidence of sensitivity or toxicity can be found

I love the texture that Sodium PCA gives to my products; it isn’t sticky and doesn’t alter the viscosity of the products in any way

Join me here tomorrow, when I look at the benefits of Panthenol, another fantastic humectant.

Samantha Miller

Here at the Naked Chemist, we transform ordinary rituals into the extraordinary with beautiful, natural skincare, and expert beauty advice.

23 thoughts on “The Benefits of Sodium PCA in Skincare”

Barbrasays:

So, can you use Sodium PCA straight from the bottle on wet skin after shower? (Which I have been doing and I mix glycerin in my body cream). Am I overdoing it? Is is better to use the glycerin straight from the bottle on out of shower wet skin? I’m 71 and my skin is starting to get dry an crepey (too much fun in the sun in those younger years). I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you.

The recommended use rate for Sodium PCA is .2 – 2.5% in a solution. It’s not recommended to apply directly to the skin. In fact, first aid instructions are to flush water over the skin if direct undiluted contact occurs. The pH is rather high at 6.8-7.4. Most generic skincare lotions/creams are in the 5.5 range. Glycerin can get quite sticky. Mixing it into an already created lotion is an option, but just know that it may throw off the preservation system of the lotion.

A couple years ago I stocked up the best I could with the focus 21 sea plasma products. I have one year of the spray moisturizer left. I’m a cancer survivor and these are the only products that were comfortable to use on my skin. Advise for a replacement would be appreciated.

Thank you for the information regarding PCA; i’VE been trying to purchase the product NAPCA and found out that Twinlab has stopped making it. I’m so disappointed;however there is still hope for me and others. I will be certainly looking out for other products that have PCA in. Thanks very much

Hello, Have you found or produced a facial spray or other products with NaPca in them? I have found that the ‘Focus 21 Sea Plasma’ spray for face and hair as well as ‘Twinlabs NaPca’ are no longer available. I am currently using Nuskin facial mist which contains NaPca. Any further info would be appreciated.